Ramires
A Brazilian midfielder whose boundless energy and crucial goals, including a stunning chip at Camp Nou, propelled Chelsea to their first Champions League title.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Brazilian association football player·Birthday: March 24·Millennials
Biography
Ramires Santos do Nascimento lofted an audacious chip over Victor Valdés in the 2012 Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. Chelsea were down to ten men and trailing. The goal sent the London club to the final they would win. He emerged from the Brazilian league, joined Benfica in Portugal, then signed with Chelsea in 2010. His box-to-box prowess and relentless running made him the engine of their midfield. After a successful spell in China, he retired as a player whose work rate and big-game temperament defined a golden era for Chelsea.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ramires was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ramires Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ramires's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored a critical, iconic chipped goal against Barcelona in the 2012 UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg.
- Won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, starting in the final against Bayern Munich.
- Earned 52 caps for the Brazilian national team and was part of the squad that won the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
- Won the FA Cup and the Europa League during his tenure at Chelsea.
Did You Know?
Due to his incredible stamina, he was nicknamed 'Blue Kenyan' by Chelsea fans.
He began his professional career playing for Joinville in the lower divisions of Brazilian football.
Ramires holds the distinction of being the first Brazilian to score in a Champions League final for an English club (2012).
“I covered every blade of grass to win the ball back.”
